how is ramadan in Cairo
sabine konig
Cairo in november/december. It will be in the ramadan time and
unfortunately I have no experience with ramadan in Egypt. Who can tell
me about his/her experiences? What can I ask from the people I'm going
to work with in Cairo and what definetly not. What will be the
difference on schools, universities and other public institutions? What
will be the difference in daily life on the streets, in shops, in the
families, how does life of normal people look like in Cairo during
ramadan? I do know Cairo a little bit but almost nothing about the way
religious matters are celebrated.
Please reply to sab...@antenna.nl
MNJP
For one thing, people are crankier than they usually are due to hunger.
Shops can close in unusual times and streets after worktime and late noon
the city dies as the majority (muslims) eat for the first time in the day.
"sabine konig" <sab...@antenna.nl> wrote in message
news:39FC5B8C...@antenna.nl...
Masri
Ramadan in Cairo is quite unique.
- People usually wake up later in the morning, most gov't, public and
private sector opens up later (around 10am) and work for shorter hours (till
approx 2pm).
- Because fasting in Ramadan calls for not eating or drinking from dawn till
sun-set, people tend to work shorter hours.
- Most of the city is very quiet about 1 hour before sun-set (the breakfast
time) it's considered the most quiet time on Cairo streets - perfect time to
drive :)
- Most people eat breakfast at home for the first 10-15 days of Ramadan,
later in the month, people tend to eat out.
- Most cafes and restaurants are not open before sun-set, those that are
open, usually close their doors (or keep them ajar).
- It's not considered very courteous to eat or drink on the street before
sun-set.
- Alcohol is not commonly available during Ramadan, under certain
circumstances a foreigner can purchase liquor at some hotels and
restaurants.
- One hour after 'fetar' (breakfast) the streets start to fill with people
going to cafes, and traffic becomes a bit of an issue.
- Many people go for some extra prayers (Taraweeh) before the last prayer of
the day (Isha).
- Ramadan's TV program line-up is usually the best of the year, and many
people spend many hours glued to their TV sets.
- Many people are up (filling the streets, cafes and restaurants) till 3-4
AM.
- Many people become more irritated during the day, since they can't smoke
or have coffee or tea for the whole day, others become more forgiving and
tolerant since it's the month of peace and forgiveness; just try not to rub
people the wrong way or expect them to do extra work during the day.
- This year Ramadan comes in December, when the wheather is not as hot, and
it's more tolerable in Cairo.
- People great each other by saying : Ramadan Kareem (Which means Ramadan is
generous)
I hope that helped.
Regards,
Masri
"sabine konig" <sab...@antenna.nl> wrote in message
news:39FC5B8C...@antenna.nl...
William Wolf
at the address listed above but with no success. Is that your real email
address?
I plan to be in Egypt for 4 months, beginning shortly after Ramadan, to study
Arabic and travel. If it is possible, I'd like to be able to contact you
off-group.
My email address is
iaminte...@hotmail.com
Thanks
William Wolf
at the address listed above but with no success. Is that your real email
address?
I plan to be in Egypt for 4 months, beginning shortly after Ramadan, to study
Arabic and travel. If it is possible, I'd like to be able to contact you
off-group.
My email address is
iaminte...@hotmail.com
Thanks
Masri
and to answer your question, no it's not my real email address.
Every time I post with my real address (even with a 'NO_SPAM' added) I get a
lot of political/religious propaganda junk mail; I got really fed-up.
I will send you my address by email.
Regards,
Masri
"William Wolf" <ww...@wppost.depaul.edu> wrote in message
news:39FDF3DD...@wppost.depaul.edu...